National Character Counts Week, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Individuals have the power to do much good, and great societies are
built by knowing the difference between right and wrong. People of
character strengthen our country through their daily actions. To help
children fulfill their potential and build a more hopeful future for
our Nation, we must continue to encourage and support the character
development of our young people and support the institutions that give
direction and purpose: our families, our schools, and our faith-based
and community organizations.

Americans of all ages continue to inspire others with their
compassion and decency by giving their time to faith-based and
community organizations and bringing hope to others at home and around
the world. The Senior Corps has more than 500,000 caring souls serving
in its programs; the Peace Corps has grown to its highest number of
volunteers in 28 years; and AmeriCorps will grow by 50 percent to
75,000 members this year. Almost two million students volunteer each
year through the Learn and Serve America programs, which incorporate
community service as a vital part of education. In addition, more than
1,300 communities have formed Citizen Corps Councils; over 10,000
communities have registered Neighborhood Watch programs; more than
27,000 Americans are serving in the Medical Reserve Corps; over 52,000
citizens have completed Community Emergency Response Team training; and
there are more than 68,000 volunteers in the Volunteers in Police
Service program. The true strength of America lies in the hearts and
souls of its citizens, and these volunteers are making our country
better and stronger.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 17 through
October 23, 2004, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon
public officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all
Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities,
and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.